What if Humans Aren't Primates? with Jonathan Leaf

What if Humans Aren't Primates? with Jonathan Leaf

From The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively Speaking by The Atlas Society

May 6, 2026 · 50 min

About this episode

Jennifer Grossman interviews Jonathan Leaf about his book that challenges traditional views of human nature based on new scientific research.

What if the latest science forced us to rethink human nature from the ground up? Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 301st episode of Objectively Speaking as she is joined by author Jonathan Leaf to discuss his book, "The Primate Myth: Why the Latest Science Leads Us to a New Theory of Human Nature," which examines groundbreaking research in neuroscience and genetics to propose a bold new framework for understanding who we are and why we do what we do. A playwright, journalist, and cultural critic, Leaf has the rare gift for making big ideas accessible. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and National Review, among many other publications, and he has been nominated for Best Play of the Year at the Innovative Theater Awards. His unique background across the arts and journalism brings a fresh perspective to some of science's most provocative questions.

People in this episode

Host: Jennifer Grossman

Guest: Jonathan Leaf

Topics covered

  • human nature
  • neuroscience
  • genetics
  • cultural criticism
  • philosophy
  • science

Keywords

  • human nature
  • primate myth
  • neuroscience
  • genetics
  • cultural criticism
  • philosophy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Atlas Society, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, National Review

Books & works: The Primate Myth: Why the Latest Science Leads Us to a New Theory of Human Nature

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